'Namaste India!': Lionel Messi shares GOAT Tour video, hopes for 'bright future' for Indian football

Lionel Messi has wrapped up his GOAT India Tour 2025 with a video expressing his appreciation for the warm welcome he received across several Indian cities and sharing his positive outlook for the future of Indian football.

The Argentine legend posted the one-minute video on social media on Tuesday after leaving Jamnagar. The video captures highlights from his visits to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

In his post, Messi wrote, "Namaste India! What incredible visits to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Thanks for the warm welcome, great hospitality and all the expressions of love throughout my tour. I hope football has a bright future in India!"

The video shows Messi interacting with fans, young football players, and dignitaries in the four cities. Indian fans responded positively to his message, with many considering the tour a historic moment for football in the country.

Before departing, Messi visited Vantara, a wildlife rescue and conservation center in Jamnagar hosted by Anant Ambani. He was joined by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. Messi received a traditional welcome and toured the facility, which houses rescued big cats, elephants, reptiles, and other animals. He praised Vantara's work as “truly beautiful” and said the experience would stay with him.

Messi's India tour included a packed schedule. It began in Kolkata, where large crowds greeted him. In Hyderabad, he participated in a 7-on-7 exhibition match and met Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, along with political leaders and young players. During his Mumbai visit, Messi went to Wankhede Stadium, where he met Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. The Delhi leg featured an on-field program at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and a brief appearance in a celebrity match involving the Minerva Messi All Stars. He spent time with young footballers, exchanged passes with Suárez and De Paul, and participated in a stage ceremony attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and other dignitaries. Messi received Indian cricket jerseys and a bat signed by former Indian cricket stars.